Go Green — NorthStar Navigator

By Mrs. Kathy McKinney

I grinned widely as I sat by the campfire, soaking wet in drizzling rain, and looked up at the gray sky. Despite the cold and wet, I felt anything but miserable. Instead, a deep sense of peace and contentment washed over me, proving that nature's embrace can be a balm for the soul even in less-than-ideal conditions. I knew it would rain most of the weekend, yet I decided to go camping anyway. Here on the East Coast of the United States, it has rained fourteen of the last nineteen weekends. My mind, my body, and my soul needed to get outside, and I was tired of waiting for a dry weekend. I needed to unplug and bask in the beauty of God’s creation, rain or shine.

Being outside has always been a balm for me. Whether I am sitting outside on my deck listening to the birds sing their symphony, hanging out by the cliffs listening to the faithful crash of the waves upon the shore, or hiking up in the mountains watching the sun dance through the treetops, nature calms me. The majesty and wonder of the natural world fill me with awe and soothe my soul. Psalms 8:3-4 expresses it well: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” His creation speaks of His glory and reminds me of His great love for me.

Spending time outside is good for me, and it's not just me; we all benefit from time outside. Science is discovering what we already know to be true: what God created is good, and spending time outside is good for us and helps us find balance.

I love camping, hiking, and fishing, and my time out in the woods away from my computer and, ‘gulp’, without any cell service, was exactly what I needed. You don’t have to pack up a bunch of gear and drive to the wilds of Pennsylvania for a week in the woods to reap the benefits of spending time outside. A 2019 study found that spending as little as two hours outside during your week can reduce stress, help you sleep better, and boost your immune system.

You might argue that your busy schedule leaves little room for outdoor activities. At this time of year, you may be hyper-focused on finishing the school year. Yet, the benefits of even short, regular interactions with the natural world of as little as twenty minutes a day are undeniable. Whether it's a brief walk in a local park or simply sitting outside with a book, these moments can significantly improve well-being and help you with your school work.

Studies show that spending time in green spaces and woodland areas helps cognition, or the ability to learn. So, as you focus on wrapping up the school year, remember to step outside and immerse yourself in the splendor of God’s creation. Now, put down your devices and go find some green space.

Columns: 📣A Word From Admin 🗣️Advice